Quinton de Kock marked his return to international cricket with a brilliant unbeaten 123, guiding South Africa to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan to level the ODI series 1-1.
Set a target of 270, South Africa made light work of the chase as de Kock and Tony de Zorzi put on a 153-run stand for the second wicket, following an explosive start from Lhuan-dre Pretorius. The Proteas sealed victory with 59 balls to spare, displaying complete control throughout the innings.
Earlier, Nandre Burger’s superb four-wicket burst (4 for 46) and Nqabayomzi Peter’s 3 for 55 restricted Pakistan to 269 for 9. Despite half-centuries from Saim Ayub (53), Salman Agha (69) and Mohammad Nawaz (59), Pakistan’s slow scoring rate cost them momentum after an early collapse.
De Kock’s masterclass, his 22nd ODI hundred and first since returning to the side, underlined South Africa’s dominance with both bat and ball. The decisive third ODI in Faisalabad on Saturday will determine the series winner.
